Metro Water District :: Be Prepared!

Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District - Tucson, Arizona USA

Emergency Preparedness

You & Emergency Water Preparation

An emergency water supply is always a good idea since we do live in the Sonoran Desert. Metro Water District encourages customers to take in account the American Red Cross guidelines for a water supply.

Please review and consider how you and your family might want to implement the following information from the Red Cross.

How much water should you store?

If possible, you should consider having a three-day to two week supply of water. The supply should be based on having at least one gallon per person, per day.

How do you store water?

Store water in a thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. Milk containers do not always seal well. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Seal water containers, tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water every six months.

Do you treat water before storing it?

Since Metro Water does treat its water with chlorine, you should not have to treat the water before storing it. Whether you treat or not, you still should change and replace stored water every six months.

How do you purify water?

You should purify all water if you are concerned or uncertain about its purity before using water for drinking, food preparation or hygiene. Two easy ways to purify water are boiling or disinfection.

BOILING. Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool for 30 minutes. Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water.

DISINFECTION. Add 16 drops of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water, or 8 drops per 2-liter bottle of water. Stir to mix. 5.25% sodium hypochlorite should be the only active ingredient in the bleach. There should not be any added soap or fragrances. Let stand 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.

We are looking forward to the new year, new century and new millenium. Metro Water District is determined to be prepared for any challenge that may arise. We will always do all that we can to keep your water flowing.

For more information on emergency preparedness, log on at www.redcross.org or www.dhs.gov

or call the Red Cross at 318-6740 or call Metro Water at 575-8100.